Alderman throws hat into ring for mayor

Walsten cites debt reduction efforts, flood mitigation

September 20, 2012|By Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune reporter

Des Plaines Ald. Mark Walsten (Handout)

Des Plaines Ald. Mark Walsten, 6th, announced plans last week to run for mayor in April.

In a news release, Walsten touted his efforts as an alderman to reduce the city's debt by $20 million, revitalize the downtown district and support flooding mitigation through an accelerated stormwater master plan.

Walsten joins former Des Plaines Mayor Anthony Arredia in the race to replace Mayor Martin Moylan, who is locked in a campaign against Susan Sweeney for the job as state representative for the newly drawn 55th District, which includes parts of Des Plaines, Park Ridge and Elk Grove Village.

Arredia was the city's 8th Ward alderman for four years before being appointed mayor. He led the city until 2009, when he retired due to the city's term limits. He is now director of government relations at Maryville Academy in Des Plaines.